Sean O’Donnel – The Steve Rummler HOPE Networkhttps://steverummlerhopenetwork.org
Ending the opioid epidemic.Thu, 29 Nov 2018 19:24:54 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.1https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cropped-drumstick-logo-32x32.pngSean O’Donnel – The Steve Rummler HOPE Networkhttps://steverummlerhopenetwork.org
3232CDC Releases Ovodose Deaths 1999-2017https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/cdc-releases-ovodose-deaths-1999-2017/
https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/cdc-releases-ovodose-deaths-1999-2017/#respondThu, 29 Nov 2018 19:10:44 +0000https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/?p=7586Deaths from drug overdose continue to be a public health burden in the United States. In 2017, the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in the United States was 9.6% higher than the rate in 2016. In 2017, there were 70,237 drug overdose deaths in the United States. Read data brief here.

]]>Deaths from drug overdose continue to be a public health burden in the United States.

In 2017, the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in the United States was 9.6% higher than the rate in 2016. In 2017, there were 70,237 drug overdose deaths in the United States. Read data brief here.

]]>https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/cdc-releases-ovodose-deaths-1999-2017/feed/0President Trump Signs Opioid Package Into Lawhttps://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/opioid-bill-signed/
https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/opioid-bill-signed/#respondMon, 29 Oct 2018 18:40:25 +0000https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/?p=7560One year ago, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency. Last Wednesday, the opioid package was signed into law with $8.5 billion allocated for opioid solutions. This will provide critical funding to the states to combat the growing opioid crisis across America. Key components of the bill include funding for

]]>One year ago, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency. Last Wednesday, the opioid package was signed into law with $8.5 billion allocated for opioid solutions. This will provide critical funding to the states to combat the growing opioid crisis across America.

Key components of the bill include funding for addiction treatment, recovery housing and job training for people with substance use disorder and a lift on an outdated rule which barred Medicaid from covering addiction treatment in facilities with more than 16 beds. Expanding access to medication assisted treatment is another function of the bill, widening the scope of prescribing for non-physician prescribers.

With fentanyl now the leading cause of opioid overdoses in our country, measures to tighten postage tracking will also be implemented.

Although the bill is an excellent step in the right direction and an example of bipartisan cooperation to address the crisis, until addiction is treated as a disease by society and truly confronted as a public health emergency, we will continue to see an influx of overdose deaths and the number of individuals suffering from the disease of addiction. Fighting systemic injustices is critical. Insurers upholding parity, coverage of addiction treatment, standards of care for recovery residences, compassion and care towards those who use opioids to manage pain, reducing addiction stigma; all are essential changes we need.

The funds are simply not enough. Hundreds of billions are needed over multiple years. A proposal by Sen. Warren and Sen. Cummings would have done just that. Modeled after the Ryan White CARE Act, legislation that funded solutions and support for communities impacted by HIV/AIDS, the Warren-Cummings proposal called for $100 billion over 10 years. This proposal was not included in the final opioid bill. With more attention to treatment for opioid use disorder, it’s important for us to also advocate for recovery services. Recovery for the individual and the family.

What else is needed from our Federal government? Let us know on twitter @RummlerHOPE

]]>https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/opioid-bill-signed/feed/0America Is FED UP!https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/america-is-fed-up/
https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/america-is-fed-up/#respondFri, 12 Oct 2018 20:34:57 +0000https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/?p=7551This past weekend, hundreds of activists, organizations and families gathered on Freedom Plaza in Washington D.C. for the sixth annual FED UP! Rally. Just over a month after cities across the country unified by holding local FED UP! Rallies on August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day, a weekend of events

]]>This past weekend, hundreds of activists, organizations and families gathered on Freedom Plaza in Washington D.C. for the sixth annual FED UP! Rally. Just over a month after cities across the country unified by holding local FED UP! Rallies on August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day, a weekend of events commenced October 6 and 7 to bring awareness to yet another year of increased opioid overdose deaths and a continued lack of response from our Federal government.

The weekend kicked off Saturday evening with the ARTful advocacy event. Authors, painters, musicians, photographers and filmmakers, all of whom illuminate the grief of our communities and the hope of recovery, displayed their work and networked with patrons.

The following morning, supporters gathered on the steps of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery at the Smithsonian museum, protesting the Sackler family’s wealth made from their flagship product, OxyContin, a powerful opioid responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans.

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The Rally took place later that afternoon on Freedom Plaza with a lineup of speakers, live music, and exhibitor tables. Speakers this year included:

April Rovero, National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse

Andrew Kolodny, MD, Physicains for Responsible Prescribing

Dan Busch, MD, StopDrugDeath.com

Janice Weiss, Hear My Roar

Ryan Hampton, The Voices Project

Cheryl Juaire, Team Sharing, Inc.

Beverly Buncher, Family Recovery Resources, LLC

Vance Johnson, Futures Recovery Healthcare

Shelly Elkington, Steve Rummler HOPE Network

Sue Van Steen, The Addict’s Mom

Judy Rummler, Steve Rummler HOPE Network

Greg Williams, Facing Addiction

We were proud to provide another year of sponsorship and leadership in planning this year’s event. Our founder, Judy Rummler, has been chair of the FED UP! Coalition since its inception and we are delighted to have served by her side for over half a decade leading national advocacy efforts to move the Federal government towards an immediate response to the opioid crisis. Our very own board member, Shelly Elkington, gave a powerful speech, explaining the culpability of the pharmaceutical companies’ malicious practices which ultimately lead to the death of her daughter. Igniting the crowd, she moved the audience to rally and march to the White House where we demanded billions of dollars be paid back to communities by the pharmaceutical industry. The event closed with a beutiful memorial and candelight vigil.

]]>On June 26, advocates of the Steve Rummler HOPE Network testified to an FDA panel opposing the approval of a powerful new extended-release opioid, Remoxy. Executive Director, Lexi Reed Holtum was joined by board member, Michael Daub and medical advisory committee member, Dr. Andrew Kolodny. The FDA advisory committee voted against the approval of the drug 14-3. The manufacturer, Prime Therapeutics, lists Remoxy as their lead product; an alternative to OxyContin. The drug is an abuse-deterrent, extended release formulation of oxycodone. A gel capsule to be taken twice-daily. Michael Daub quotes the National Academy of Science’s 2017 Report in his testimony,

“There is evidence that the long-term use of opioids for the management of chronic non-cancer pain increases the risk of adverse outcomes, such as opioid use disorder and overdose, without clear evidence supporting the appropriateness of such uses.”

He continued expressing his concerns, “The opioid epidemic is engulfing America. I have watched many heartening recovery successes. I have observed far too many fail, succumbing to active addiction again and again. Barely a week goes by where I don’t learn that someone had died of an overdose. Sometimes two or three. Sons, daughters, parents, friends, neighbors. Good people felled by a pernicious, unforgiving, relentless malady. It annihilates all things worthwhile in life. It engulfs all whose lives touch the sufferer’s. It brings misunderstanding, fierce resentment, financial insecurity, disgusted friends and employers, warped lives of blameless children, sad wives and parents.”

We don’t need another powerful opioid on the market. In the biopharmaceutical industry, we must invest in alternative, non-addictive, non-opioid methods and medicines to manage pain. Abuse-deterrent is not addiction-proof or any less deadly.

The advisory committee’s decision does not bar approval of the drug. Remoxy has been rejected by the FDA in previous years. We can only hope the FDA follows the committee’s latest recommendations. The FDA will decide by August 7.

United we shape thoughtful policies, educate the public and demand action. You have a voice, a story, a network. Join our advocacy network and be heard.

Join hundreds working to change the course of the opioid crisis and rebuild communities.

With an event of this magnitude and the influx of people into the city of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Department of Human Services expect first responders to be preoccupied, so they’ve approached community nonprofits to lend a hand to ensure that communities have the resources to reverse an overdose.

The goal of this planning is to provide awareness of this issue and resources to avoid a greater loss of life due to the accidental opioid overdoses that are anticipated with large events. There is also increased risk for overdose with higher alcohol consumption during these celebrations.

The group will be providing naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication, to first responders, volunteers and the public, free of charge. Volunteers, who are trained to reverse an overdose and equipped with naloxone, will be riding metro transit through the weekend wearing black hats reading “GOT NARCAN”.

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About Steve Rummler HOPE Network

Judy and Bill Rummler founded the Steve Rummler HOPE Network in honor of their son Steve, who died of an opioid overdose in July 2011. The mission of the Steve Rummler HOPE Network is to heighten awareness of the disease of addiction as it relates to the physical and emotional burdens of chronic pain and to improve the associated care process. The Network creates solutions to this epidemic through its three programs: prescriber education, advocacy, and overdose prevention through naloxone distribution.

About the opioid Crisis

Drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. In 2016, there were 63,600 drug overdose deaths, over 65 percent of these overdoses were attributed to opioids. On average, 115 Americans lose their lives to an opioid overdose, roughly one person every 13 minutes. Last week, the Hennipen County Sheriff’s Department reported 162 opioid overdose deaths in 2017 in Hennepin County Alone. Almost a 50 percent increase in opioid-related deaths over the past two years.

]]>https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/saving-lives-during-super-bowl-lii/feed/0Minnesota’s Unmask Opioid Addiction Gala was a Big Hit!https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/minnesotas-unmask-opioid-addiction-gala-was-a-big-hit/
https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/minnesotas-unmask-opioid-addiction-gala-was-a-big-hit/#respondWed, 01 Nov 2017 22:21:57 +0000https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/?p=6761Last Friday, we held our first-ever masquerade gala! This year, the event was titled, Unmask Opioid Addiction, representing the removal of stigma and shame, exposing the truth of this disease and the impact of these drugs in our communities. The social hour began at 5:00 sharp at the Edina Westin

]]>Last Friday, we held our first-ever masquerade gala! This year, the event was titled, Unmask Opioid Addiction, representing the removal of stigma and shame, exposing the truth of this disease and the impact of these drugs in our communities. The social hour began at 5:00 sharp at the Edina Westin Galleria, followed by the event program, emceed by WCCO’s Esme Murphy, and a three-course meal in the main ballroom.

The reception space and pre-event lounge were packed with guests, wearing intricate masks and black-tie attire. The walls contained the cocktail chatter and laughter as guests helped themselves to hors d’oeuvres and photos together.

The doors to the ballroom opened and family and friends made their way to their tables. The ballroom’s charm alone welcomed guests and begged comradery. Violet and amber lights illuminated the perimeter of the room. Attendees enjoyed presentations from our Executive Director Lexi Reed Holtum, co-chairs of the event Senator Chris Eaton and Representative Dave Baker, Hennepin County Sherrif Rich Stanek, a dear friend and advocate of the Network Nathan Koranda and a very special video from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Speakers emphasized the bipartisan legislative work of the Network, inspiring the masses to rear the Opioid Product Stewardship bill, a timely call to action following President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration earlier that week.

The purpose of the gala was to raise funds to support the complementary efforts of the Network’s three programs, partner organizations and state agencies to effectively reduce the pervasiveness of drugs and overdose deaths in Minnesota communities. With the support of hundreds on the evening of the event, the Steve Rummler HOPE Network was able to exceed our goal – raising a gross amount of $61,792.14 to continue the relief work and expansion to support families across our state.

The Steve Rummler HOPE Network sends our sincerest gratitude to everyone who attended the gala and made the night a reality.

]]>https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/minnesotas-unmask-opioid-addiction-gala-was-a-big-hit/feed/0Statement Regarding President Trump Declaring the Opioid Crisis a National Public Health Emergencyhttps://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/statement-regarding-president-trump-declaring-the-opioid-crisis-a-national-public-health-emergency/
https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/statement-regarding-president-trump-declaring-the-opioid-crisis-a-national-public-health-emergency/#respondThu, 26 Oct 2017 20:20:11 +0000https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/?p=6758What the president needs to do is ensure congress writes a law mandating all opioid manufacturers pay a fee for the privilege of selling their drugs in our country. We are grateful President Trump is addressing our nation’s opioid crisis, however, we are disappointed he did not declare a state of

What the president needs to do is ensure congress writes a law mandating all opioid manufacturers pay a fee for the privilege of selling their drugs in our country.

We are grateful President Trump is addressing our nation’s opioid crisis, however, we are disappointed he did not declare a state of national emergency as promised in August. The distinction between a national emergency and his declared public health emergency is the duration of the emergency and delegation of funds. The current emergency spans 90 days and is void of additional federal funds delegated to the proposed solutions. This means each state has the capacity to move existing funds from one program to dedicate it to the opioid crisis.

It feels to me like stealing from Peter to pay Paul. There aren’t enough funds available for the solutions the president has proposed today. It could put our state departments in a difficult situation, taking from one program needing funding, to give to another.

We were impressed by First Lady, Milania Trump’s words and grateful for her willingness to make this a top priority in her work. Our President’s speech will have the impact of educating Americans who are unaware of the depth and breadth of this crisis – increasing national awareness. He did not articulate the mechanics in which our country will fulfill the president’s strategy. In 2016, 64,000 Americans had overdosed and died. That is 175 per day – seven each hour. Over 200 million Americans have lost their lives. Our President had addressed areas we desperately need, including investing in the treatment of pain with nonaddictive medications, the removal of limits on 16 bed or more treatment facilities, the mobilization and better communication between government agencies, expedited approval for treatment, and a Health and Human Services task force dedicated to pain management and treatment for incarcerated individuals. We strongly call on our president to reconsider and declare the opioid crisis a state of national emergency and we request he articulate the plan to fund the solutions our nation needs. The president must work with government agencies, organizations, legislators and influencers to continue to shift the stigma of addiction and deter the unethical influence the pharmaceutical companies have over our lawmakers and the education for our prescribers.

We should remind the president that a vast majority of deaths are caused in our homes by legal drugs. Four of five new heroin users started with pain pills. This is a prescription opioid crisis fueling a heroin crisis.

Today, we move a bit closer to a world where individuals with chronic pain receive integrated care focused on wellness rather than drugs, and those with addiction have easy access to compassionate evidence-based treatment.

We will continue to work towards this future and hold our governments accountable.